We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

The holiday season makes us realize how much we miss our family members that have gone to heaven before us. We have such a hole in our hearts, that it seems impossible to fill. The only thing that should go into that hole is our great memories. We have to look at life fondly for the good times, as we let go of the times of hurt, trials and disappointment. Death cannot take our memories away from us and we should smile at the little things that are so precious as we look back. We need to celebrate life and all it has to hold. We cannot take for granted that our family and friends will be with us tomorrow, so celebrate the time you have with them today. Jesus came to earth, as the purest form of love and peace. So every day should be like Christmas, when we celebrate His birth. Treasure the love of friends and family.